discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 
-ˈskrim-nə-
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
Examples of discriminatory in a Sentence
The law prohibits discriminatory hiring practices.
a company that was fined for its discriminatory practices in the hiring of women
Recent Examples on the Web
Operation Breadbasket fought against discriminatory hiring practices and aimed to help African-American workers with employment growth.
—
Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Feb. 2026
The legacy of redlining and discriminatory housing policy is devastating.
—Darius Jones, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
The most pressing issue facing HD 101 is the systematic erosion of voting rights and the growing practice of racially discriminatory redistricting schemes preventing voters, especially voters of color, from fully realizing their constitutional right to elect leaders of their choice.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The case was settled in 1975, with the Trumps agreeing to adopt specific non-discriminatory rental practices.
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
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Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Feb. 2026
The legacy of redlining and discriminatory housing policy is devastating.
—Darius Jones, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
The most pressing issue facing HD 101 is the systematic erosion of voting rights and the growing practice of racially discriminatory redistricting schemes preventing voters, especially voters of color, from fully realizing their constitutional right to elect leaders of their choice.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The case was settled in 1975, with the Trumps agreeing to adopt specific non-discriminatory rental practices.
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
Cite this Entry
“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
: showing discrimination : being unfair
discriminatory treatment
Legal Definition
discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
dis-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtōr-ē
1
: applying discrimination in treatment
2
: having unlawful discrimination as an effect
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